Sports hydration apparatus

ABSTRACT

There is provided a sports hydration apparatus comprising: electric componentry housing; an annulus rotatably coupled to the housing, the annulus defining peripheral exterior threading for engaging a threaded opening of a bladder such that the annulus can rotate relative to the housing to screwably engage the threaded opening and wherein the housing and annulus cooperate to seal the threaded opening when the annulus is screwed in; hydration hosing transitioning through the housing in a fluidtight manner, the hosing comprising an interior inlet hose portion which reaches within the bladder for drawing fluid and an exterior outlet hose; a mouthpiece and wherein the outlet hose reaches the mouthpiece; an electric pump coupled to the hydration hosing to pump fluid through the hosing; wherein the housing houses electric componentry comprising: a wireless receiver coupled to the pump and configured for receiving wireless instructions from a dispensing controller device to operate the pump.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to sports hydration apparatus and, inparticular, but not necessarily entirely to, electrically pumped sportshydration apparatus for use for sports including motocross and cycling.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided herein enhancements to sports hydration apparatus forhydration during sports including motocross, cycling and the like.

In accordance with a first embodiment, there is provided sportshydration apparatus which is configured for connecting to existinghydration bladders in a particular manner, especially the Camelbak™ typebladders having large threaded openings as a substantially shown inFIGS. 7-13.

In this regard, the sports hydration apparatus in accordance with thisfirst embodiment comprises a componentry containing housing and aperipheral annulus rotatably coupled to the housing and hydration hosingpasses through the housing from the interior to the exterior of thebladder to the mouth of the user.

As such, in use, the annulus may be rotated with respect to the housingso as to screw into the threaded opening of the bladder and wherein,when screwed in, the housing and the bladder co-operate to seal theopening of the bladder.

In accordance with this embodiment, the particular housing configurationprovides a low profile form, wherein, in embodiments, comprises anexterior facing recess within which various electrical componentry isaccommodated in a low profile manner substantially midway the threadedopening of the bladder.

Furthermore, the rotatable annulus allows the housing to remain staticso as to thereby avoid twisting of the hosing.

Furthermore, for bladders comprising existing outlets, the presentsports hydration in accordance with this embodiment does not interferewith such existing outlets and such existing outlets may be utilisedsimultaneously as an alternative manual fluid provision means. However,there is furthermore provided an embodiment of sports hydrationapparatus as a substantially shown in FIG. 14 configured for engagingsuch existing outlets.

Various prior art has sought to provide bladder type sports hydrationapparatus but none of which are directed to the present problems ofconvenient attachment to the large threaded openings of bladders, letalone the associated problem of hose twisting. For example, D2 (US2004/0045980 A1 (ROBINS)) discloses a personal hydration system withpump. However, as can be especially seen from FIG. 3, the system of D2utilises a peristaltic pump attached to the surface of the bladder whichdraws fluid from the existing outlet of the bladder.

Similarly, reference D5 (U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,742 B1 (YOKED) 28 Jun.2016) discloses a motorised hydration system which, in embodiment, andreferring to FIGS. 4 and 5 of D5 utilises a fluid containing bladder.However, these embodiments of D5 are similar to those disclosed infigure D2 in that D5 utilises an external pump which draws fluid fromthe existing outlet of the bladder and is therefore not directed to thepresent problems and furthermore does not teach or suggest the presentlyclaimed solution.

Furthermore, D1 (US 2015/0014439 A1 (SPRUZZA LLC) 15 Jan. 2015)discloses a torpedo-shaped handlebar mounted water bottle but which isnot related to the present configuration let alone problems.

Furthermore, D3 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,442 A (BAKALIAN) 13 Apr. 1993)discloses a sports hydration apparatus but which is similarly unrelatedto the present configuration let alone problems.

Furthermore, D4 (US 2011/0127291 A1 (TRAMONTINA et al) 2 Jun. 2011)discloses a dispenser for dispensing and cleaning fluid which, albeit inan unrelated field, is similarly unrelated to the present configurationlet alone problems.

Furthermore, D6 (US 2015/0182797 A1 (KATHRYN A. WERNOW, HOWARD L.WERNOW) 02) discloses an app controlled water bottle hydration systemwhich is similarly unrelated of the present configuration let aloneproblems.

There is also disclosed herein sports hydration apparatus in accordancewith further embodiments such as those which are substantially shown inFIGS. 15-17 comprising a water bottle valve arrangement for releasableinterconnection with a male proboscis portion. As such, the valvearrangement allows the drawing of fluid from the water bottle whenengaged to the male proboscis portion but wherein the bottle can beremoved from the male proboscis and utilised in the normal manner.

In further embodiment, there is provided the utilisation of magnets forthe purposes of squashing a bladder for assisting the expulsion of fluidtherefrom as a substantially shown in FIG. 18.

In further embodiments, there is shown aspects relating to mouthpieceswater jets as a subject shown in FIGS. 2-3 and, in embodiments, tongueoperated mouthpiece water jets as a substantially shown in FIG. 5. Thereis also shown differing hydration hosing attachment mechanisms as issubstantially shown in FIG. 4 and actuators as a substantially shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

Furthermore, in embodiments, there is shown various controlfunctionality of the controller system as a substantially shown in FIG.1, in including dispensing, hydration, level control and the like.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred toherein, such reference does not constitute an admission that theinformation forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, inAustralia or any other country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a functional schematic of a microprocessor based sportshydration apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2-3 show examples of helmet mounted fluid jet mouthpieces inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a helmet affixable hydration hose engagement in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a mouthpiece comprising a tongue operatedactuator and wireless transmitter in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a handlebar mountable actuator in accordancewith an embodiment

FIGS. 7-13 show an embodiment wherein the sports hydration apparatus isconfigured for engaging a particular type of bladder;

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment wherein the hydration system is configuredfor engaging an existing outlet of a bladder;

FIGS. 15-17 show a female-type valve for a water bottle allowing drawinga fluid therefrom when engaged within a bracket yet allowing for theremoval therefrom for utilisation in the normal manner; and

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment wherein a matrix of attractive magnets areutilised for squashing a bladder so as to enhance the expulsion of fluidtherefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows sports hydration apparatus 1 in accordance with a firstembodiment. The apparatus 1 comprises a controller device 2 which, inthe embodiment shown, is a digital controller device comprising amicroprocessor 3. In operable communication with the microprocessor 3across a system bus is a memory device 4. The memory device isconfigured for storing digital data including computer program code. Assuch, in use, the microprocessor 3 may fetch, decode and execute thesecomputer code instructions from the memory device 4. In the embodimentshown, the computer code instructions have been shown as having beendivided into various computer code instruction modules which, inembodiments, may comprise a dispensing controller 5, hydrationcontroller 6 and a level controller 7 as will be described in furtherdetail below.

The apparatus 1 comprises a fluid containing reservoir 8 and furthermorean electric pump 9 operably coupled to the reservoir 8 so as to pumpfluid therefrom for hydration purposes.

In embodiments, fluid is pumped via a jet 10 so as to avoid retention ofa mouthpiece within the mouth.

In embodiments, the apparatus 1 may comprise a level or immersion sensor11 in operable communication with the reservoir 8 so as to sense thelevel of fluid therein. The sensor 11 may act in unison with the levelcontroller 7 so as to provide various level indications, warnings andthe like to the user.

In further embodiments, the apparatus 1 may comprise a sensor/actuator12 operably coupled to the mouthpiece or the like so as to allow for theuser control the dispensing of fluid. In embodiment, the actuator 12 maytake the form of the tongue operated actuator as is substantially shownin FIG. 5 wherein the user may utilise the user's tongue to depress thebutton to dispense fluid. In alternative embodiments, the actuator 12may take the embodiment as is substantially shown in FIG. 6 wherein thedevice is handlebar mounted comprising a pushbutton for such purposes.

In embodiments, the controller device 2 comprises a transmitter and/orreceiver 13 in operable communication with a corresponding transmitterand/or receiver 13 which controls the pump 9. In embodiments, such maybe a wireless short range transceiver such as a Bluetooth transceiver.As such, the controller device 2 may send control instructions to thepump 9 for the dispensing of fluid and receive various controlinstructions, sensor data and the like.

In embodiments, the controller device 2 may comprise a display device14, such as a digital display device, led display of the like for thedisplay of various information. In embodiments, the controller device 22may comprise an audible buzzer device so as to play out audible cue isfor the user.

In further in embodiments, the controller device 2 may comprise a userinterface 15 which, in embodiment, may take the form of a touchsensitive overlay overlaid the display 14 so as to receive hapticgestures from the user. In alternative embodiments, the user interfacein 15 may take other forms, such as a pushbutton type user interface.

Furthermore, in embodiments, the controller device 2 may pair with amobile communication device 16 so as to allow for the display ofrequisite information via the mobile communication device 16, receivecontrol instructions from the mobile communication 16 and the like.

In use, the dispensing controller 5 may control the dispensing of fluidby controlling the operation of the pump 9. As such, when receivingcontrol instructions via the actuator 12, the dispensing controller 5may control the pump 9 accordingly. There are differing manners by whichthe dispensing controller 5 may control the pump 9. For example, in oneembodiment, the dispensing controller 5 may control the operation of thepump only while receiving dispensing control instructions via theactuator 12. Alternatively, the dispensing controller 5 may control thepump 9 to pump fluid for a predetermined period after having received acontrol instruction from the actuator 12.

In alternative embodiments, the dispensing controller 5 may additionallycontrol the flow rate of the dispensing of fluid by controlling theoperational speed of the pump 9. For example, upon receiving one pressof a pushbutton of the dispense controller 12, the dispensing controller5 may dispense fluid at a first rate wherein alternatively, whenreceiving two presses of a pushbutton of the actuator 12, the dispensingcontroller may dispense fluid at a second faster rate and so on and soforth.

In embodiments, the hydration controller 6 may be configured forautomated dispensing of fluid in accordance with a fluid replacementregime. For example, the user may configure the apparatus 1 to dispense1L of fluid per hour. As such, the apparatus 1 would automate theadherence to such a regime. In embodiments, prior to the automateddispensing of fluid, the controller device 22 may output an audio cue orother indicator to the user so as to warn the user of the impendingdispensing of fluid.

In embodiments, the hydration controller 6 may take into account varioussensor variables so as to dynamically update the fluid replenishmentregime. For example, for a fitness tracking software applicationexecuting on the mobile communication device 16, the controller device 2may receive various parameters therefrom, such as distance traveled,elevation climbed, environmental variables such as ambient temperature,biometric variables such as heart rate, gender, age, weight and the likeand the like so as to calculate for dynamically update the fluidreplenishment regime and control the dispensing of fluid accordingly. Assuch, the greater the exertion of the user, the greater the amount offluid dispensed by the hydration controller 6.

The level controller 7 may act in accordance with the sensor 8 tocontrol various aspects of level control. For example, in oneembodiment, the level controller 7 may determine whether or not the pump9 is immersed within fluid in the first place so as to avoid dryoperation of the pump 9.

Furthermore, the level controller 9 may determine the level of the fluidwithin the reservoir 8 so as to be able to provide indication of such tothe user, or warn the user of the remaining amount of fluid left. Inembodiments where in the hydration controller 6 dynamically calculates ahydration regime, the level controller 7 may indicate to the user thedistance remaining for which fluid is available such as wherein, forexample, the level controller 7 warns the user that fluid is onlyavailable for the next 10 km of cycling.

In embodiments, the level controller 7 may utilise both software andhardware control to determine or estimate the level of fluid within thereservoir 8.

For example, for software control level estimation, the level controller7 may be reset upon refilling the reservoir 8 wherein the levelcontroller 7 dynamically monitors the dispensing of fluid from the pump9 in accordance with the pump operation time and pump rate if needs be.As such, the level controller 7 is able to dynamically calculate theremaining fluid within the reservoir 8. In embodiments, the sensors 11may determine the amount of fluid within the reservoir 8 such that thelevel controller 7 is able to determine the amount of fluid remaining inaccordance with sensor data received via the sensor 11.

FIG. 2 shows a fluid dispensing jet 10. As alluded to above, the jet 10is configured for location away from the mouth of the user so as tospray a jet of fluid into the mouth of the user so as to negate theutilisation of in mouth mouthpieces which may hamper breathing and thelike especially during vigorous exercise.

As can be seen, the jet 10 comprises an outlet 17 which is directedtowards the mouth of the user and an inlet 18 configured for coupling tothe hydration hosing.

In the embodiment shown, the jet 10 comprises a detachable portion 19which is releasably fastenable to a fixed portion 20. The fixed portion20 may be fastened to a helmet or the like allowing for the selectiveattachment of the detachable portion 19 thereto. In the embodimentshown, the detachable portion 19 comprises magnets 21 and which mayfurther locate within recesses 22. The fixed portion 20 may comprisetransverse apertures 23 for passing cable ties and the liketherethrough. Furthermore, the waterjet 10 may comprise spacers 24 forspacing the detachable portion 19 away from the helmet.

Other fastening mechanism may be utilised in lieu of magnets 21, such ashook and loop fasteners, mechanical interlock clip-type fasteners andthe like.

The waterjet 10 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is configured forlocation within an interior surface of a helmet jaw piece. In thisembodiment, the fixed portion 20 is configured for location against theinner surface of the jaw piece so as to face the mouth of the user. Inthis regard, the fixed portion 20 may comprise an inferior aperturethrough which an O-ring or other elastic type member is engaged forlooping about the jaw piece and for selective engagement via superiorcatches 26.

FIG. 4 shows a hose attachment mechanism comprising a helmet clipportion 27 and a hose engaging portion 28. As can be seen, the helmetclip portion 27 comprises a lengthwise recess 29 into which an edge of ahelmet is inserted so as to fasten the helmet clip portion 27 to thehelmet. In this regard, the hose engaging portion 28 may be selectivelydetachable from the proportion 27 again by way of magnets 21 or thelike. The hose engaging portion 28 comprises a lengthwise aperture 30through which the hydration hosing may be fed.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the waterjet 10 wherein the waterjet 10additionally comprises the sensor/actuator 12 for controlling thedispensing of fluid therefrom. In this regard, the waterjet comprisesthe outlet 17 directed towards the mouth of the user. However, the jet10 in accordance with this embodiment further comprises a tongueoperated pushbutton 31 which is depressed by the user's tongue fordispensing of fluid. In embodiments, the apparatus 1 may be configuredto dispense fluid while the pushbutton 31 is depressed. However, inother embodiments the apparatus 1 may dispense fluid for a predeterminedperiod after the pushing of the pushbutton 31.

In embodiment, the jet 10 may further comprise the receiver and/ortransmitter 13 operably coupled to the pushbutton 31 so as to allow forthe wireless conveyance of the control instruction to the remotelylocated controller device 2. In embodiments, other actuators may beutilised in lieu of the pushbutton 31, such as electric contacts sensorsand the like. In embodiments, a microphone may be utilised to receivevoice instructions and wherein the controller device 2 comprises a voicerecognition software module such that the user is able to verbalisedispensing control instructions, including control instructionsdictating the amount of fluid to dispense and the like.

In embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs 8 may be utilised comprisingfor example, water and isotonic reservoirs wherein, in use, the user isable to control the dispensing of the different types of fluid. Inaccordance with this embodiment, the dispensing of different type offluids may be controlled by the user, either by utilising the actuator12 such as by way of pushbutton or voice activation or alternatively inan automated manner wherein, for example, the hydration controller 6dispenses either water or isotonic fluid in accordance with a hydrationregime, including a dynamically calculate a hydration regime.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment wherein the actuator 12 is handlebar mounted.In this embodiment, the actuator 12 comprises a bifurcated ring 32 forengagement around a handlebar or the like. Furthermore, the actuator 12comprises a housing 33 comprising various componentry therein, includingthe transmitter and/or receiver 13. The housing 33 exposes a pushbutton34 which is selectively depressed by the user for the dispensing offluid.

FIG. 7-13 show an embodiment of sports hydration apparatus 35 configuredfor engaging a particular type of threaded opening 36 of a fluidcontaining bladder 37. As alluded to above, the bladder 37 andassociated threaded opening 36 may take the form of commonplaceCamelbak™ type bladders wherein the existing cap may be removed andsubstituted with the present sports hydration apparatus 35.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the apparatus 35. As can be seen, theapparatus 35 comprises a housing 38 comprising various componentry.Furthermore, the apparatus 35 comprises an annulus 39 which is rotatablycoupled to the housing 38. Specifically, as can be seen, in theembodiment shown, the housing 30 defines a peripheral flange 40 andwherein the annulus 39 comprises an inferior portion 41 and a superiorportion 42 configured to engage either side of the flange 40 so as toallow the rotation of the annulus 39 about the housing 38. The superiorportion 42 may define a grip 43 to facilitate rotation of the annulus39.

The apparatus 35 further comprises hydration hosing passing through thehousing 38. Specifically, the hosing comprises an inlet hose portion 44configured for location within the interior of the bladder 37 so as todraw fluids there from. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 wherein the bladder37 is substantially elongate, the inlet hose portion 44 is configured toreach the bottom of the bladder 37 when upright so as to be able to drawsubstantially all of the fluid therefrom. Furthermore, the hydrationhosing comprises an exterior hose portion 45 which leads to the jet 10,mouthpiece or the like.

As such, for the engagement of the apparatus 35, the existing cap of thebladder 37 would be removed and wherein the housing 30 would be locatedwithin the threaded opening 36 of the bladder 37. Thereafter, theannulus 39 would be rotated clockwise with respect to the housing 38 soas to screw into the complimentary threading of the threaded portion 36until such time that the annulus 39 is screwed in wherein the housing 38and the annulus 39 cooperate to seal the threaded opening 36.

In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 35 comprises an O-ring 46 whichseals between the housing 38 and the annulus 39. Furthermore, anexterior O-ring 47 may be provided to seal between the annulus 39 andthe threaded opening 36.

As can be seen especially from FIG. 10, the housing 39 is itselfsubstantially circular in cross-section so as to be suited foraccommodation within the circular opening of the threaded opening 36.Furthermore, the housing 38 is substantially cup-shaped so as to definean exterior facing recess 48 within which various componentry may beinserted.

As can be appreciated from the embodiment shown, the threading 49 of theannulus 39 may be substantially midway the depth of the recess 48 suchthat the componentry located within the recess 48 is accommodatedsubstantially midway the threaded opening 36. In this way, theconfiguration of the housing 30 provides a low profile and convenientaccommodation of the various componentry of the apparatus 35.

In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 35 may comprise battery packs 50located within the recess 48. Furthermore, a pushbutton 51 may beexposed at the rim of the recess 48. The pushbutton 51 may be utilisedfor turning the apparatus 35 on and off and wherein the dispensing offluid therefrom may be controlled via the actuator 12.

The recess 48 may further comprise various electronics such as which maybe located on a PCB 52 such as by comprising the various componentry ofthe control device 2 as a substantially shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, the housing 38 may define a passage 53 through which thehydration hosing passes.

FIG. 9 shows the apparatus 35 further comprising a covering 54 whichcovers the opening of the recess 48. The covering 54 may be attached tothe housing 38 by way of screw type fasteners 55.

As can be seen, the covering 54 may define an aperture 56 for access tothe operational pushbutton 51.

Furthermore, in embodiment, the covering 55 may extend to define ahandle portion 57. The handle portion 57 may be held to provide purchasewhen rotating the annulus 39. Specifically, lateral edges 58 of thehandle portion 57 may be gripped between the fingers of one hand whilethe other hand screws the annulus 39.

However, reference is made to FIG. 7 wherein it is shown that theconventional threaded opening moulding 37 of conventional Camelbak™ typedevices comprise a tongue portion 59 extending inferiority from theopening. As such, and returning to FIG. 9, the handle portion 57comprises lateral wings 60 which defines a passage 61 therein toaccommodate the tongue portion 59. As such, when located over the tongueportion 59, the covering 54 is held in place so as to allow the rotationof the annulus 39.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, there is shown the inlet hose portion44 comprising a pump module 9 at the distal end thereof. The pump module9 comprises an inlet 62 which, in embodiments, may comprise an elbowspigot or the like so as to reach the bottom of the bladder 37 so as todraw substantially all of the fluid therefrom.

In embodiments, the pump module 9 may further comprise electric contactfluid level sensors 63 at a lower edge thereof so as to detect immersionwithin fluid prior operating. As such, when activated, and as is betterillustrated in FIG. 11 shown a cross-sectional view of the hydrationhosing, the pump module 9 pumps fluid from within the bladder 37 via theinlet 62 and via the inlet hose portion 44 via the housing 38 and viathe outlet hose portion 45 to the jet 10.

In embodiments, an electric supply umbilical 64 may be supplied toprovide fluid tight electrical conductivity for the pump module 9.Specifically, electric power supply, sensor cables and the like may bereticulated within the electric supply cable 64.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of sports hydration apparatus 65 whichutilises an existing outlet 67 of an existing bladder 37 as opposed tothe threaded opening 36.

As can be seen, in this embodiment, the apparatus in 65 comprises ahousing 68 which is attached or located against the surface of thebladder 37 and comprises an inlet hose 69 operably coupled to the outlet67 of the bladder 37. The housing 68 may comprise the variouscomponentry, such as the pump, controller 2 componentry and the likeincluding the receiver 13 so as to receive control instructions from thecontroller device 12. As such, when receiving a control instruction, thepump 9 within the housing 9 draws fluid from the inlet hose 16 via theoutlet hose portion 45.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a water bottle 70 female-type valve 71which allows the drawing of fluid from the water bottle 70 from the basethereof while yet allowing the removal of the water bottle 70 and theutilisation thereof in the normal manner.

FIG. 16 shows the female-type valve 71 in further detail comprising apickup spigot 72, pickup adapter 73, valve spring 74, valve 75 andassociated O-ring 76, and further a bottle inner base 77, base O-ring 78and a bottle outer base 79.

As is shown in FIG. 15, a male-type proboscis portion 80 inserts withinthe female type valve 71 so as to draw fluid from the interior of thewater bottle 71. However, when required to be utilised in the normalmanner, the water bottle 71 may be pulled from the proboscis portion 80and utilised in the normal manner wherein the female-type valve 71seals.

Specifically, the distal end of the proboscis portion 80 displaces thevalve 75 upwardly when inserted within the female type valve 71 so as tomove the associated O-ring 76 away from the bottle inner base 77 so asto allow fluid to flow through the valve 75. However, when the proboscis80 is removed from the female type valve 71, the valve spring 74displaces the valve 75 downwardly such that the associated O-ring 76engages against the edge of the bottle inner base 77 so as to seal thefemale type valve 71.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 represents a potential manually operatedversion wherein fluid may be sucked via associated hydration hosing 81manually. However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 shows an automatedversion wherein the hydration hosing, operably coupled to the proboscisportion 80, feeds into a housing 82 comprising the requisite componentryincluding the pump 9.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment wherein opposing surfaces 83 are providedwith a matrix of respectively attracting magnets 84. As such, theattraction between the magnets pulls the walling of the ladder 37together so as to assist in the squashing of fluid from the interior ofthe bladder 37.

In embodiments, the magnets 84 may be located on the respective surfaces83 of the bladder 37 in a matrix type grid formation such that, whenfluid begins to be depleted from the bladder 37, the peripheral magnetsinitially provide the strongest attraction so as to initiate thesqueezing of fluid wherein, as further fluid is removed from theinterior of the bladder 37, attraction of the more central magnets 84comes into play.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specificdetails are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, theforegoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention arepresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible inview of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best explain the principles of the invention and itspractical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art tobest utilize the invention and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the following claims and their equivalents define thescope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Sports hydration apparatus comprising:electric componentry housing; an annulus rotatably coupled to thehousing, the annulus defining peripheral exterior threading for engaginga threaded opening of a fluid containing bladder such that, in use, theannulus is able to rotate with respect to the housing to screwablyengage the threaded opening and wherein the housing and the annuluscooperate to seal the threaded opening when the annulus is screwed in;hydration hosing transitioning through the housing in a fluidtightmanner, the hosing comprising an interior inlet hose portion whichreaches within the bladder for drawing fluid therefrom and an exterioroutlet hose; a mouthpiece and wherein the exterior outlet hose reachesthe mouthpiece; an electric pump operably coupled to the hydrationhosing to pump the fluid through the hydration hosing; and wherein thehousing houses electric componentry comprising: a wireless receiveroperably coupled to the electric pump, the wireless receiver configuredfor receiving wireless control instructions from a dispensing controllerdevice to selectively operate the electric pump.
 2. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an O-ring betweenthe housing and the annulus.
 3. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the housing is substantially cup-shaped defining anexterior facing recess and wherein the electronic componentry is locatedwithin the recess.
 4. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 3,wherein the peripheral exterior threading of the annulus is locatedsubstantially midway the depth of the recess such that the electroniccomponentry is located midway the threaded opening.
 5. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a coveringfastenable to the housing for covering the recess.
 6. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the covering defines a lateralextending handle portion.
 7. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the handle portion comprises substantiallyperpendicular edges defines an inferior accommodation for engaging abouta tongue portion of the threaded opening.
 8. Sports hydration apparatusas claimed in claim 1, wherein the electric pump is located at a distalend of the interior inlet hose portion and wherein the apparatus furthercomprises electrical connections between the electric pump and theelectric componentry.
 9. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim8, wherein the electrical connections are reticulated within awatertight conduit.
 10. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim8, further comprising immersion sensors at the electric pump and whereinthe operation of the pump is controlled in accordance with sensor datareceived via the immersion sensors.
 11. Sports hydration apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the electric componentry further comprises amicrocontroller comprising a dispensing controller and wherein thedispensing controller is configured for controlling the operation of thepump.
 12. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein thedispensing controller is configured for controlling the operation of apump for a predetermined period after receiving the wireless controlinstructions.
 13. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 11,wherein the dispensing controller is configured for operating the pumpat at least one of differing operational speeds and durations inaccordance with differing wireless dispensing control instructionsreceived via the wireless receiver.
 14. Sports hydration apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic componentry further comprisesa microcontroller comprising a hydration controller and wherein thehydration controller is configured for autonomous control of the pump inaccordance with a fluid replenishment regime.
 15. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the hydration controller isconfigured for dynamically updating the fluid replenishment regime. 16.Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the hydrationcontroller is configured for updating the fluid replenishment regime inaccordance with variables comprising at least one of distance traveled,altitude gain, ambient temperature and biometric parameters.
 17. Sportshydration apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wirelessreceiver is configured for pairing with a mobile computer device andwherein the hydration controller is configured for receiving thevariables from the mobile communication device.
 18. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is a jetcomprising an outlet for spraying water into the mouth of a user at adistance.
 19. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 18, whereinthe jet is configured for helmet mounting.
 20. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the jet comprises a detachableportion comprising the outlet, the detachable portion configured forselective detachment from a helmet fixed portion.
 21. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the jet comprises magnets forselective attachment of the detachable portion to the helmet fixedportion.
 22. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 20, whereinthe helmet fixed portion is configured for securement to an inner faceof a helmet jaw piece and wherein the outlet of the detachable portionis orientated towards the mouth of the user.
 23. Sports hydrationapparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the helmet fixed portion issubstantially elongate and comprising elastic band securement is at adistal ends thereof so as to allow the lifting of the elastic bandaround the helmet jaw piece for securement of the helmet fixed portion.24. Sports hydration apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein themouthpiece comprises a transmitter for sending the wireless controlinstructions to the wireless receiver.
 25. Sports hydration apparatus asclaimed in claim 24, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a tongue operatedactuator operably coupled to the transmitter.